Stenasellus stygopersicus is a species of isopod. Discovered by researchers in Iran and first described in 2024, it is species of Stenasellidae.
Etymology and discovery.
The name "Stenasellus stygopersicus" is derived from a combination of "stygo" (from the ancient Greek "stýx") and "persicus", in reference to Persia—which is another name for Iran—where the species was discovered. The isopod is the second species of "Stenasellus Dollfus" discovered. Researchers found the species inhabiting the Chah Kabootari Cave in Iran, describing the species for the first time in 2024.
The cave researchers found the species is rich in hydrogen sulfide and was described as smelling like rotten eggs. The cave is fed by sulfidic groundwater and belongs to the Tashan-Chah Kabootari species-rich aquifer on the Zagros Mountains. The Chah Kabootari Cave is adjacent to the Tashan Cave, which is the locality of "Stenasellus tashanicus", the first recorded species of Stenasellidae from Iran.
Description.
Researchers found that the species is characterized by a body size of ≥ 20 mm, a female-biased sexual size dimorphism, and a distinct black-pigmented Bellonci's organ. The species has a "coral pink" color. Its size and sexual dimorphism cause the species to be distinct from related isopods. Males are about a half-inch long, have a coral-colored body, and a head described as "trapezoidal". The females are much bigger, with the body size of the longest measured at 0.88 inches. Like all species in its genus, the "Senasellus stygopersicus" is "eyeless", likely due to its pitch black environment.